23 March 2000, Tokyo: Mitsubishi Motors Corporation announces that it is to exhibit the MEEV-II(*1) low-pollution vehicle at a presentation promoted by the Japanese Ministry of Transport in Hibiya Park, Tokyo on 30 March. MEEV-II represents the fruit of the company's active participation in research into and development of next-generation micro-vehicles featuring very low pollution levels, high energy utilization efficiency and a very small road footprint. This type of vehicle is expected to ease environment and energy related problems and congestion in towns and cities, and to accommodate the needs of the aging society.

Mitsubishi Motors has been a participant in the Next Generation Commuter Vehicle Project (NCV21), initiated by the Japanese Ministry of Transport in September 1996, and MEEV-II is the company's proposal for an urban commuter. Developed for use in central business districts and residential areas, and for in-town rental use, MEEV-II is an electric micro vehicle for two passengers, with a compact aluminum body that measures 2,600mm long by 1,480mm wide and 1,550mm high.

(*1)Mitsubishi Eco Electrical Vehicle

MEEV-II

1. Major features

(1) Smart design

• Ultra-compact body dimensions of 2,600mm long by 1,480mm wide by 1,550mm high realize outstanding maneuverability - even in the narrowest of streets - and a footprint just half the size of that of a standard passenger car.
• The swivel-type passenger seat facilitates entry and egress for the not-so-young.
• The centrally-opening nearside door facilitates passenger entry and egress, and loading and unloading of luggage.
• The one-piece side member structure is reinforced by the double floor - this space being used to house the batteries - to provide a high level of crash safety.
• An ISOFIX retainer bar(*2) enables a child safety seat to be securely anchored or removed in a simple operation.

(2) Electric propulsion

• MEEV-II uses powerful, low-cost manganese lithium-ion batteries that are light in weight and have a high capacity.
• The use of a lightweight body, high-capacity batteries and high-efficiency motor realizes a cruising range of 145km in the Japanese 10-15 mode urban driving cycle on a single charge - quite enough for getting around town, on business or out shopping.

(3) Recyclability, conservation of resources

• MEEV-II employs a straightforward body structure: with exterior and interior panels made of easily recyclable thermoplastic resin on a lightweight aluminum frame - ideal for small-lot production.
• The use of run-flat tires, which enable the vehicle to continue driving for a limited distance in the event of a puncture, eliminates the need to carry a spare tire and thereby contributes to conservation of resources.
• Carpets are made from eco-friendly Kenaf(*3) plant material.

(4) Intelligent Traffic System features

• MEEV-II lends itself to shared or rental car use. An IC card "key" issued to registered users or rental customers eliminates the need for keys to be delivered or returned, making for more efficient vehicle management.
• A large navigation screen in the dashboard provides a real-time display of route information, rental charges and other services transmitted by the rental agency.

(*2) Name used by the ISO (International Organization for Standardization) to describe a rigid bar anchorage system for child seats

(*3) A member of the Hibiscus family that is attracting widespread attention for its fast growth rate and high carbon dioxide absorption rate

MEEV-II vehicle specification

MEEV-II environmental specification